BANKS, Elizabeth Johnson "E. J."

Published
4:00 am PDT, Saturday, September 27, 2003

BANKS, Elizabeth Johnson "E. J." - A resident of San Francisco for 67 years, entered peacefully into rest at her home on Sept. 20, 2003, at age 100. Born in Salt Lake City, UT on July 23, 1903. A chance encounter in the 1930's led Mrs. Banks to become a charter member of the committee which planned and built Strybing Arboretum, a world-renowned landmark that opened in May 1940. After the opening and as long as she was able, she continued with the Arboretum as a volunteer tour guide, docent, and in other Arboretum activities. An encyclopedic knowledge of California flora also had her working at Hallowell's, a nursery on 19th Ave. in the 1950's, when she was honored as "California's Gardener of the Year" in 1955. The closing of Hallowell's led to employment with the state Industrial Safety Division until 1970. In retirement, she pursued interests as a member of several Bay Area horticulture groups, including the Begonia and Fuchsia Societies, and was a charter member of the California State Women's Club, involved in charitable works. She is survived by her son, Culmer of Palo Alto; former daughter-in-law Joan of San Francisco; three grandchildren, Steven (Yulita) of Vienna, VA; Michael (Nancy) of San Mateo, and Susan (Steven) of Pacifica; five great-grand children; Jennifer and Heather Banks (mother, Tricia) of Madison AL, and Elizabeth, Steven, and James Roberts of Pacifica. She was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, Horace in 1967, also of San Francisco by way of Salt Lake City. In declining health her last two years, Elizabeth will be dearly missed by her friends and family, but will be eternally celebrated for a life lived simply, lived well, and lived long. At her request, no public memorial service will be conducted; her cremains will be interred in Salt Lake City. Memorial donations may be sent to Strybing Arboretum, 9th Ave. & Lincoln Way, San Francisco, CA 94122.